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Tennessee transfer tax rules (2026)
| Tax | Rate | Usually paid by |
|---|---|---|
| Realty transfer tax ($0.37 per $100) | 0.37% | Contract / custom |
| Mortgage tax ($0.115 per $100, first $2,000 exempt)first $2,000 exempt | 0.115% of the loan | Buyer |
Tennessee also taxes the mortgage, so the down payment matters: on a $335,000 home the taxes are $1,584 with 10% down and $1,545 with 20% down.
Tennessee transfer tax by home price
| Home price | Buyer | Seller | By contract | Total taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $175,000 | $179 | $0 | $648 | $826 (0.47%) |
| $200,000 | $205 | $0 | $740 | $945 (0.47%) |
| $325,000 | $334 | $0 | $1,203 | $1,537 (0.47%) |
| $500,000 | $515 | $0 | $1,850 | $2,365 (0.47%) |
| $675,000 | $696 | $0 | $2,498 | $3,194 (0.47%) |
| $1,000,000 | $1,033 | $0 | $3,700 | $4,733 (0.47%) |
| $1,500,000 | $1,550 | $0 | $5,550 | $7,100 (0.47%) |
10% down, principal residence. Taxes split by law are shown half to each side. Exemptions (first-time buyer, senior, affordable housing) aren't applied.
Tennessee vs other states
On a $400,000 home Tennessee's taxes are $1,892 (0.47%), the 14th highest of 51. States nearby in the ranking:
- Nevada$2,040
- Maryland$2,000
- Massachusetts$1,824
- Maine$1,760
All states: real estate transfer tax by state. Monthly payment: Tennessee mortgage calculator · how much house you can afford in Tennessee.
Sources
Checked 2026-10-23. Rates change — we re-check every state on a schedule. Confirm with your title company or closing attorney.
Closing cost calculators for other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Assumptions
- Transfer and recording taxes use each state's published rates; exemptions (first-time buyer, senior, affordable housing) aren't applied unless noted.
- Who pays a tax can be changed by the purchase contract; "either" means local custom or the contract decides.
- Other closing costs (lender, title, appraisal, prepaid items) vary widely — use your Loan Estimate for real numbers.
- Tennessee rules checked 2026-10-23: Tennessee DOR — recordation tax due date and rates.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the transfer tax in Tennessee?+
On a $335,000 home (about the Tennessee median) the taxes come to $1,584, or 0.47% of the price: Realty transfer tax ($0.37 per $100) $1,240 (contract / custom), Mortgage tax ($0.115 per $100, first $2,000 exempt) $344 (buyer).
Who pays the transfer tax in Tennessee, the buyer or the seller?+
Realty transfer tax ($0.37 per $100): contract / custom; Mortgage tax ($0.115 per $100, first $2,000 exempt): buyer. Who pays can be negotiated in the purchase contract.
What are closing costs in Tennessee?+
Expect transfer and recording taxes ($1,584 on a $335,000 home) plus lender, title, appraisal and prepaid costs, which typically add about 2%–5% of the price nationally. Your lender's Loan Estimate shows the real numbers.
How does Tennessee compare with other states?+
On a $400,000 home, Tennessee's $1,892 in taxes ranks 14th highest of 50 states and DC. Delaware is highest at $16,000; 15 states charge no state transfer tax at all.
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Uses 2026 rules and limits. Last reviewed October 23, 2026. Calculator version 1.0.0. Sources: Freddie Mac (via industry summaries) — closing costs typically 2%–5% of the purchase price. Results are estimates for educational purposes, not financial, tax or lending advice. How we check our numbers. Embed this calculator on your site for free.